Currently reading: BMW Megacity car progressing

Urban transport car development underway

Work on BMW's much-discussed MegaCity urban transport car is reported to be progressing.

Developed under BMW’s Project i initiative, the MegaCity will be made of carbonfibre-reinforced plastics, powered by a battery-driven electric motor and designed for “extreme light weight”.

The recently revealed Simple concept, made from carbonfibre, shows some of BMW’s thinking on the car, although the final model will not share its looks.

BMW has signed a co-operative deal with German firm SGL Carbon, which will make carbonfibre produced in both Europe and the US. This suggests there will be two production sites for the city car.

“We are acquiring pioneering future technologies and raw materials that we need for our MegaCity vehicle on competitive terms,” said BMW chief executive Norbert Reithofer.

BMW has also entered a joint venture with Bosch and Korean firm Samsung to produce lithium ion batteries, which will be used for the MegaCity vehicle.

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